Control apparatus for dual price vending machine

ABSTRACT

A dual price coin changer and vend control circuit for an article vending machine establishes credit at one of two prices. The prices may be preset with a price spread of up to 30 and a payout motor energized upon vend selection effects payout of correct change. A split pricing cam is indexed in accordance with the value of coins deposited in the vending machine. Microswitches positioned to be actuated in accordance with the position of the split cam control energization of price relays of the vend control circuit to enable low or high price vend selection of selected articles from a multiplicity of columns, in accordance with the value of coins deposited in the vending machine.

United States Patent. 11 1' 1 A 1111 3,776,339

[58] Field of Search 194/10, DIG. l, DIG. 2,

Bowman 1451 Dec. 4, 1973 CONTROL APPARATUS FOR DUAL PRICE VENDING MACHINE Primary ExamineP-Stanley H. Tollberg [75] Inventor: Raymond D. Bowman, Ringgold, xqndrackl Ga. [73] Assignee: Cavalier Corporation, Chattanooga, [57] ABSTRACT Tenn. r l A dual price coin changer and vend control circuit for an article vending machine establishes credit at one of [22] Flled' July 1972 1 two prices. The prices may be preset with a price [21] App]. No.: 273,961 spread of up to 30 and a payout motor energized upon vend selection effects payout of correct change. A split pricing cam is indexed in accordance with the value of coins deposited in the vending machine. ML o I a 1 s v u v n a a 1 I I I v n a a n I a s t t t a i with the position of the split cam control energization of price relays of the vend control circuit to enable low or high pricevend selection of selected articles 194/1 G, l M, l N

[56] Reierenas clued from a multiplicity of columns, in accordance with the UNITED STATES PATENTS value of coins deposited in the vending machine. 3,068,984 12/1962 Timms 194/10 3,687,255 8/1972 Johnson 194 10 1 29 Claims, 5 figures n 42 O V as 26 52 0 Q' 0 32 22 I02 91 a as a 105 p 54 75 73 1 I08 05 '06 m 76 115 "O 104 I24 g 114' l I '5 Q F 109 N80 9 "a 5 U0 9D I20 n7 125 4 0 I22 00 o 75 B -76 58 as a:

as so 0 sou a? O as l9 l4 9| 524E e4 52 E 0 21a -34 z" 205 fl: 211 207 ass 35: Ian-" 231 a? 93%;. L- ms 1 ill "see ass 59: 54 I PATENTED DEB 41915 I 3.776339 SHEET 1 [1F 4 FIG.I

SHEET H UF 4 1 CONTROL APPARATUS FOR DUAL PRICE VENDING MACHINE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to coin operated vending machines for selectively dispensing articles one at a time from a plurality of sources and more particularly to an improved dual price coin changer and a vend control circuit for a coin operated vending machine having a multiplicity of storage columns, each of which is adapted to receive a plurality of articles to be selectively dispensed upon energization of a vend circuit selected by a customer, the coin'changer being capable of establishing credit corresponding to two unit prices and paying out change when the value of the coins deposited total more than the unit price of the selected and dispensed article.

Because of the variety of products available for sale from vending machines, there is a great demand for vending machines that permit operation at multiple prices. A vending machine that can vend multiple price articles has a distinct advantage over vending machines limited to vending single price articles, because of being able to satisfy the individual tastes of various customers by being able to accommodate a variety of different priced articles.

A vending system for vending at different prices should provide for the payout of change where the total value of coins deposited exceeds the unit price of the selection. Known systems of this type generally require a relatively complex and expensive totalizing unit, usually incorporating printed circuit boards or rotating drums and associated wiper elements. The control circuits associated with such units are also relatively complex and expensive and are subject to a variety of malfunctions. An example of multiple price vending machine incorporating a totalizer having a printed circuit board and associated wip'er elements is illustrated in US. Pat. No. 3,335,838.

Where vending machines are installed outdoors, such as at swimming pool site locations, loading ramps, etc., it is desirable to avoid the use of wiper elements and printed circuit boards and minimize the amount of exposed contacts, because exposure to climatic changes may result in frequent and undesirable malfunctions due to dust accumulation and moisture absorption, particularly in areas of high humidity or dampness.

Inv recent years, continuous increases in the cost of living and the consequent erosion of the value of the dollar have resulted in frequent changes in the cost of canned and bottled beverages. As a result there has been established the need for a coin changer for vendingmachines which can be readilymodified to accominodate a change in price with a minimum of effort. F urther, it should be apparent that there exists throughout the industry a vast quantity of vending equipment having outdated coin changing equipment incapable of multi-price vending. It was recognized in US. Pat. No.

3,550,742 that the cost ofupdating equipment could be held to a minimum if existing coin changers in wide spread use could be modified to permit operation at either or at vend price and convertible price coin changer was proposed. However, the conversion effected in accordance with U.S. Pat. No. 3,550,742 merely provides for one price selection of a single item at one of two preset unit prices. Such a convertible 2 price coin changer is notadapted for dispensing of multiple-price items from a multiplicity of stacks.

It is therefore, the primary object of the present invention to provide a coin changer of relatively uncomplex design for establishing credit to the vend circuit of a vending machine at one of two unit prices, the price spread of which may be readily adjusted within a set limit, and which effects payout of correct change upon a vend selection when the total value of the coins deposited exceeds the unit price of the selected item.

Another important object of the present invention is to provide an improved control circuit for selectively dispensing articles one at a time from a plurality of columns with means for enabling the vend circuits of certain columns in accordance with the total value of the coins deposited in the vend machine.

Still another important object of the present invention is to provide a coin changer and control circuit which makes it possible to readily convert existing single price electromechanical vending machines to dual price vending machines operable at two price levels.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide an improved dual pricing system which removes established credit at the proper time and insures delivery of only one article per established credit with payout of change where the value of established credit is greater than the value of the selected article and which is characterized by minimum requirements of power for operation and minimum interference of elements, thereby allowing a flexibility in construction and operation which reduces cost of operation and maintenance of the system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention is especially related to article vending machines adapted to accept nickels, dimes and quarters and a control circuit for controlling operation of the vending machine for vending items at dual prices having a preset price spread up to 30 and which is adapted to issue change in the appropriate amount when the total of the coins deposited exceeds the unit price of the'selected item.

Another feature of the invention is that the coin changer and associated control circuit is of relatively uncomplex design and enables field conversion of exist ing single price changers and associated control circuits to update the latter for operation at multiple vend prices without altering the basic mechanical design of .matter of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring to the drawings, wherein like characters represent like component parts throughout the several views,

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of the coin changing apparatus of the present invention, the cover plate normally positioned thereover being removed to show the internal construction;

FIG. 2A is a fragmentary rear elevational view of the pricing cam and payout mechanism of the coin changer;

FIG. 2B is a front elevational view of the pricing cam operating mechanism and upper section of the coin changing apparatus of FIG. 1, with the coin acceptor section removed for clarity;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the split pricing cam of the present invention, and;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the control circuit of the present invention.

The invention is particularly adapted for use in connection with a coin separator mechanism and payout mechanism of the type found in he Simplex V 08-40 Series Electrical Coin Changer of National Registers Inc. of St. Louis, Missouri and control circuits for coin operated vending machines for selectively dispensing articles one at a time from a plurality of sources as shown for example in US. Pat. Nos. 3,349,881 and 3,613,854. Typical arrangements of coin operated vending machines for selectively dispensing articles, one at a time from a plurality of columns employing the above-noted Simplex Coin Changer and control circuits are exemplitied in the U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,280,323; 2,549,081; 2,686,583; 2,956,660; 3,348,773 and 3,507,419.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1, there is illustrated the coin changer mechanism of the present invention designated generally by reference character 10. The mechanism 10 comprises a removable coin separator module 11, a removable credit registry module 12 and a payout module 12. The coin separator module, as the name implies, is adapted to separate coins which are made from coins or slugs made of other materials and cause the separated fake coins or slugs to be rejected and passed through a coin chute 14 for rejected coins to a coin return box disposed at the exterior of the associated vending machine. Coin chute 14 advantageously aligned with chute sections 15 and 16 extending from the lower part of the coin separator module to the payout module, along the left side, as viewed in the drawing. A coin separator of this type is well known and by itself forms no part of the present invention. Such coin separators are shown for example in US. Pat. No. 3,193,075.

Coin mechanism 10 is vertically oriented within the vending machine and includes a rear frame 16 and a pair of forward extending flanges 18 'and 20. Flanges 18 and 20 form a U-shape cradle within which the component parts of the coin changer mechanism are received. To this end, flanges 18 and 20 are advantageously notched adjacent their upper portions thereof and support in the notched portions a pair of releasable latch members 23 and 24.

Coin separator 11 includes a rear frame 26 and a pair of forwardly extending flanges 28 and 30 forming a U- shape support for the separator components. The U- shape support is received within flanges l8 and 20. To this end, pins 32 project outwardly beyond the outer faces of flanges 28 and 30. Two pins are disposed adjacent the top edges of the flanges and two pins are disposed adjacent the bottom edges of the flanges. The lower pins are received within notches formed in flanges 34 and 36 of the credit registry module 12. Module 12 is also U-shape and includes a rear frame or plate 201. Flanges 34 and 36 are received within ears 38 and 40 extending from flanges 18 and 20 and held securely thereto by screws.

It should be apparent that separator 11 may be pivoted about the supporting surfaces of the lower notched portions of flanges 34 and 36 and, upon depression of releasable latch members 22 and 24, the top portion of the separator may be swung outwardly, away from the plane of the paper, as viewed in the drawing, after which the entire coin separator module 11 may be removed from the coin changer unit 10. Likewise, removal of the screws holding flanges 34 and 36 to ears 38 and 40 permits removal of the credit registry module.

A coin guiding member 42 is secured and projects upwardly above the top edge of the frame 26. Member 42 has three inclined sides which form an open coin receiving chute above guides 43 and 44. Guide .44 supports the coin guiding member 42. The coin receiving chute is completed by a forwardly disposed coin guiding member 45 which is secured to a movable gate 46 by screw 47. Member 45 also has an inclined side.

Coins received through the chute formed by guides 42 and 45 are further directed by a plurality of cradles through the separator. To this end, shallow arcuate slot 52 is provided in the front face of frame 26 below, but immediately adjacent, guide 43. A further arcuate recess 54 is provided to the right of at about the same level as, the recess 52. An inclined opening 56 is provided adjacent flange 28.

A shallow, generally rectangular recess 58 is provided disposed below the level of and to the right of opening 56. Numeral 60 designates a shallow, horizontally directed recess to the right of recess 58. Another opening 62 is provided to the right of and a short distance above the level of recess 60. Still another opening 64 having an arcuate upper end is disposed above opening 62.

Numeral denotes a knockout plate which overlies part of the front face of gate 46. Knockout plate 70 has a rectangular opening therein which is in register with a magnet housing 72 and is pivoted about pin 73. Also pivotally supported about pin 73 is gate 46 and rearward plate 74. Gate 46 is pivoted by means of arms 75, while plate 74 is pivoted by means of ears 76. Pivot pin 73 has its upper and lower ends thereof received within slots 77.

One end of spring 78 overlies an ear on the knockout plate and the other end of that spring extends through an opening, not shown, frame 26. One end of spring 80 overlies'a rib on gate 46 and the other end extends through an opening, not shown, in frame 26. Springs 78 and 80 hold the knockout plate and gate in assembled relation with the frame 26 and bias the free edges of the gate and knockout plate toward the frame.

A rectangular plate 84 is secured to the lower end frame 26 and has a generally rectangular opening 86 therein. Opening 86 is in register with recesses 58 and 60 plus a portion of the opening 62. Plate 84 also includes an inclined lip 102 in engagement with frame 26. A pivot 88 is mounted on plate 84 and a bifurcated gate 90 is rotatably mounted on that pivot. Gate 90 includes coin engaging projections one of which extends into recess 58, while the other projection extends into a recess 61. A runway 91 is formed on the front face of plate 84.

Plate 74 which underlies gate 46 supports a pair of housings 71 and 72, each of which encases and supports a permanent magnet. An ear 65 extends downwardly from the lower edge of the plate and a set screw 66 is adjustably held within a threaded opening in that ear. The set screw and ear overlie plate 84 and limits the position of plage 74 with respect to frame 26.

Magnetic flux lines developed by the permanent magnets within housings 71 and 72 coact with a pair of discs (not shown) mounted on frame 26 adjacent the housings to bias theplate 74 toward the front face of the frame. Set screw 66 is adjusted so that plate 74 is normally substantially parallel to the front face of frame 26. As a result, plate 74 and the front fsce of frame 26 coact to define part of a coin receiving passageway.

A pivot 94 extends forwardly from the front face of frame 26 adjacent the top edge of the frame. Pivot 94 rotatably supports a wiper blade 96 having an actuator 98. Actuator 98 includes a cam element 97 and a roller 99, thereon. A spring 93 encircles pivot 94 and has one end thereof hooked under guide 44 and the other end hooked around .arm 95 for the wiper blade 96. Spring 93 biases the wiper blade to the position shown, but it can yield upon rotation of the wiper blade in the clockwise direction above pivot 94. Upon movement, cam element 97 engages a bearing 100 on arm 101 extending upward on frame 46 and causes frame 46 tobe pivoted outwardly away from the back surface 26.

An arcuate notch 102 is formed in the left hand edge of the gate 46 immediately below the coin guiding member 42. Part of the notch is in register with part of the arcuate recess 52 in the front face of the frame 26. An arcuate slot 104 in gate 46 is provided below and to the right of the notch 102 while a notch of generally rectangular configuration 106 is contiguous to slot 104. An arcuate slot 108 is provided in gate 46 below and to the left of slot 104. A straight slot 110 communicates with arcuate slot 108. Slot 110 inclines sharply upwardly from the lower left to upper right as viewed in the drawing. A further arcuate slot 112 is provided in gate 46 below the level of-slots 104 and 108.

Reference character 103 denotes a pivot which is secured to and which projects forwardly from gate 46 and which rotatably supports a cradle 105. One of the coinreceiving fingers of cradle 105 is disposed within a slot 102 while the other finger of cradle 105 is disposed within arcuate slot 104. A feeler wire 107 is disposed behind knockout plate 70. A weight 109 is secured to the lower end of the feeler wire 107 and biases the upper end of the feeler wire for movement into arcuate slot 104. Normally, however, the lower arm of cradle 105 underlies the upper end of the feeler wire and keeps the wire out of the slot.

Another cradle 114 is rotatably mounted on pivot 115 also on gate 46. Cradle 114 has one of its coin receiving fingers positioned into arcuate slot 108 and another of its fingers in arcuate slot 112. A feeler 116 is disposed within a groove in a supporting plate 117, which maintains the feeler wire in assembled relation with gate 46 while permitting rotation of the feeler wire relative to that gate. A weight 118 secured to the lower end of wire 116 and biases the upper end of the wire for movement into a slot, not shown, in gate 46. Normally, the lower arm of cradle 114 underlies the upper end of wire 116 and keeps that upper end out of the slot.

A coin guiding member 120 is rotatably secured on ear 121 provided at the lower left hand corner of gate 46 and a weight 122 is secured to the member 120. A portion of member 120 extends rearwardly into an opening 119 in frame 26.

A runway 124 is provided on the rear faceof gate 46, the runway being shown partially in FIG. 1. The runway inclines downwardly at a shallow angle from the upper left to the lower right. A second runway 125 is provided on gate 46 adjacent magnet housing 71. Runways 124 and 125 and an abutment on the rear face of gate 46 engage the front face of frame 26.. Those runways and the abutment normally held keep the rear face of the gate substantially parallel to the frontface of the frame. As a result, the gate andframe define part of the coin receiving passageway.

A cover plate, not shown normally overlies plate 84. The cover plate extends the width of flanges l8 and 20 and coacts with the runway 91 to guideslugs downwardly and to the left as viewed in the drawing. The cover plate also forms the front wall of chute 14, the rear wall of which is formed by'the lower left portion 19 of frame 26 as viewed in the drawing.

The coin separator thus far described is similar to conventional coin separators and operates in a well known manner. For a detailed description of the operation of the coin separator mechanism, reference may be made to US. Pat. No. 3,193,075.

- Briefly, when a dime is introduced into the coin entrance defined by the coin. guiding members 42 and 45,

the dime will beguided toward cradle 105. Cradle 105 the coin guiding member 120and which will guide the dime rearwardly to an opening, not shown, in the frame 26. Thereafter, the dime will pass the testing engaging components of standard and usual design which are mounted at the rear face of the frame 26. Subsequently, the dime will pass to an outlet chute defined by a thickened portion of the frame and a rearward partition and be directed to a dime coin chute in credit registry module 12.

A nickel introduced into the coin guide passes through cradle and is intercepted and held by coin intercepting fingers of cradle 114. Cradle 114 will rotate in a clockwise direction and, as the cradle rotates, the upper end of the feeler wire 116 responds to weight 118 and movestoward and engages the surface of the nickel. The nickel will be transferred to and will roll along runway and be directed to the nickel coin passageway defined by plate 84 and the front surface of frame 26 and passed through the space intermediate a thickened portion of the frame and plate.

Upon the introduction of quarters, each quarter is intercepted and held by fingers of cradle 105. As the cradle rotates, weight 109 urges the upper end of the along runway 124 to the coin chute defined by plate 84 and the front face of the frame 26. The quarter is guided by the runway by which it will roll downwardly toward flange 30 and into a rear chute, not shown, which conducts the quarters to a coin receptacle exterior of the coin actuator device. Slugs are directed along runway 91 toward the rejected coin return chute l5.

Valid coins discharged from the coin separator are received by the credit registry module 12 mounted between ears 38 and 40 extending forwardly from cutaway portion of flanges 18 and 20. Module 12 comprises plate 201 having forwardly extending flanges 202 and 203. Supported to flange 203 is a coin chute arrangement including a rear plate 204, an intermediate plate, not shown, and a front plate 205. The front face of the rear plate and the back face of the intermediate plate are channeled and cooperatively arranged to form a quarter coin chute. A side opening, not shown, is provided between the plates in which there extends one end of an actuating arm 206. The other end of the actuating arm 206 is connected to' pivot207 of switch 208 which internally has its contacts arranged in a normally open position. Arm 206 is actuated upon passage of a quarter through the quarter chute from its uppermost position as shown in FIG. 1 to a lower position thereby causing the contacts of switch 208 to close.

A dime coin chute is formed between the front face of the intermediate plate and the rear face of front plate 205,.while a nickel chute is formed by the front face of plate 205 and a cooperating cover plate of the coin change mechanism, not shown. Front plate 205 is provided with a pair of arcuate slots 209 and 210. Slot 209 is disposed toward the top of the coin chute arrangement and viewed in the drawing and receives one end of actuating arm 211, which extends across both the nickel and dime coin chutes. The other end of actuating arm 211 isconnected to pivot 212 of switch 213. Switch 213 includes a pair of normally open contacts adapted to be actuated to their closed position upon movement of arm 211 from its uppermost position as shown in FIG. 1 to its lowermost position in arcuate slot 20. A further slot, not shown, is provided at the lowq side of front plate 205 adjacent arcuate slot 210. Actuating arm 214 extends through this side slot and one end 215 of arm 214 terminates at the topmost portion of slot 210 in the nickel coin chute while the other end is connected to pivot 215 of switch 216. Switch 216 includes a pair of normally open contacts adapted to be actuated to their closed position upon movement of arms 214 from its uppermost position in slot 210, as shown in FIG. 1 to its lowermost position in the slot.

As should be apparent both arms 211 and 214 are actuated upon the passage of a dime through the dime chute, while only arm 21 l is actuated upon the passage of a nickel through the nickel chute formed. by the front face of plate 209 and the cooperating cover plate of the coin changer mechanism. Switches 208, 213 and 216 are mounted to a supporting plate 217 which is in turn mounted by screws 218 to front plate 205.

Supported to flange 202 and inwardly extending therefrom is the central coin reject chute adapted to receive coins directed from runway 91 or otherwise rejected by the coin separator. Behind chute 15 and mounted to plate 201, as more clearly shown in FIG. 2B, are a pair of solenoids 231 and 232. Solenoid 231 is mounted above solenoid 232 and has its armature 8 233 connected to pawl 234. Pawl 234 is rotatably mounted on pivot 235. A coiled extension spring 236 has one end hooked to segment 237 on plate 201, and its other end hooked about ear 238 formed on the end of pawl 234.

Also rotatably mounted about pivot 235 is a cooperating arm 239, which extends at substantially a right angle with respect to pawl 234. An ear 240 formed at one end of arm 239 and is pointed so that it can readily move into spaces between adjacent teeth on rachet wheel 241. The other end of extension 239 includes an ear 242 having an aperture therein adapted to receive one end of spring 243. The other end of spring 243 is hooked to ear 238 at pawl 234.

Springs 243 and 236 bias pawl 234 and arm 239 for cooperative movement toward engagement of ear 240 with the teeth of the ratchet wheel upon energization of solenoid 231 which pulls in arm 233.

Extension 230 on arm239 is disposed adjacent pawl 234 and bears against the pawl so as to cause ear 240 clear the ratchet wheel teeth when solenoid 231 is deenergized and arm 233 released. Solenoid 231 is connected to be energized upon the actuation of-either of switches 213 or 216 to step the ratchet wheel one step upon each actuation. Thus, solenoid 231 is actuated once each time a nickel passes through the nickel coin chute and twice, each time a dime passes through the dime coin chute.

The ratchet wheel actuating mechanism connected to the armature 244 of solenoid 232 is adapted to step the ratchet wheel an angular distance of approximately 5 teeth position upon energization of solenoid 232. To this end, the actuating mechanism is rotatably supported on pivot 245 and includes a pawl 246 connected to armature 244. Extending from pawl 246 is an upwardly disposed arm 245 and a sideward extension 246.

Arm 245 includes a shoulder 247 adapted to engage exlink 251 includes anoversized aperture 252 within which is received pin 253 mounted to plate 201. The other end of link 251 includes a V notch 255 adapted to receive the V-shaped ear 254 of link 256 when the link is rotated counterclockwise. To this end, link 256 is provided with a lost motion connection and is pivoted at one end on pin 257. The other end of link 256 normally rests against arm 246 and includes an inwardly extending pin, not shown, adapted to engage the teeth of ratchet wheel 241. A return spring 258 connected between ears 259 and 260-provides a lost motion connection for link 256 enabling 5 step movement of the ratchet wheel upon energization of solenoid 232. Return spring 261 for 5 step actuator is connected between ear 228 extending from the actuator and ear 229 on the solenoid support.

Numeral 262 designates a reset gear segment which is pivoted about pin 263 extending from plate 201. Reset spring 264 is connected between ear 265 on segment 262 and ear 266 on plate 201. A reset link 267 connected to the payout assembly is connected to drive the gear segment which is in turn connected to a gear, not shown, behind ratchet wheel 241 and affixed to a common shaft for rotation therewith so as to effect re- '9 setting of the ratchet wheel to its home position after a selection has been made.

The coin operated rotatable ratchet mechanism herein described can be rotated between limits in response to deposit of coins to provide unit and multiple unit advancements of the ratchet wheel. Such ratchet mechanisms may take a variety of forms. One form of a coin operated ratchet mechanism which responds to a nickel deposit to provide a unitary advancement of a ratchet, to a dime deposit to provide a two-unit advancement and to a quarter deposit to provide a unit advancement, reference is shown in US. Pat. No. 3,186,532. Accordingly, it should be readily apparent that the concept of providing unit and multiple unit advancements by itself forms no part of the present invention.

Mounted above plate 201 and to frame 16 and behind coin separator module 11 are a plurality of electrical components, including solenoids 270 and 271. Solenoid 270 includes an armature 273 having a finger 274 extending substantially at right angles thereto. Finger 274 extends through an opening 63 in frame 26 of the coin separator to block quarters from passing to the quarter coin chute when solenoid 270,is deenergized. If solenoid 270 is energized, armature 273 is pulled in and finger 274 is held clear of the coin path.

Numeral 275 designates the armature of solenoid 271 and includes two outwardly extending fingers 276, 277 which extend into the coin paths when solenoid 271 is deenergized to block coins from entering the normal coin chutes and cause them to be directed to the coin return path. Solenoid 271 is energized upon the establishment of high price credit.

Numeral 278 designates a low price solenoid which is energized upon establishment of low price credit and is mounted to bracket 279 which is in turn secured to plate 201, as more clearly shown in FIG. 2B. Solenoid 278 includes an armature 280 which is bifurcated at its lower end and which has a pin 281 extending through the bifurcated end. Link 282 has one end which is received in the bifurcated end of armature 280 and about pin 281 so as to rotate about the pin. The other end of link 282 includes an inward extension, not shown, which is received in arcuate slot 283 formed in extension 284 on gear segment 285. Segment 285 and extension 284 comprise an integral member which is pivoted about pin 286 mounted to bracket 279. Spring 287 extends between pin 281 on the bifurcated armature and ear 288 on extension 284.

Segment 285 includes a plurality of teeth-like members formed by perpendicular extensions 289 on surface 290. These teeth members cooperate with rearward extending pins 291 (shown in FIG. 3) to cause the pricing cam 292 to be rotated clockwise each time the low price solenoid is energized. Pricing cam 292 is rotated sufficiently to enable abutment 323 to be properly positioned with respect to change control payout rods and place abutment 339 against arm 40 forcing it to turn about its pivot. Rod 324 controls the nickel payout and rod 325 controls, the dime payout as will be hereinafter described.

Referring to FIG. 3, there is illustrated in perspective, the split pricing cam 292 of the present invention which enables dual payout. The pricing cam is mounted to shaft 294 which extends through frame 16 and which rotatably supports on the other side of the frame the ratchet wheel 241. Pricing cam 292 comprises four major elements, a pricing wheel 295, a high price cam 296, low price cam 297 and lock plate 298. Cam 292 is secured to shaft 294 by screw 299. Shaft 294 is squared off at its end and provided with a threaded hole adapted to receive screw 299. Wheel 295 includes a centrally disposed squared opening adapted to be snugly received over the end of the shaft for rotation therewith. A plurality of pin holes 300 divided into two sets designated L and H are circumferentially disposed about the front face of the wheel 295. Holes 300 are spaced at intervals corresponding in five-cent increments or unit displacement of the ratchet wheel. Advantageously, to facilitate price setting for the articles to be dispensed, the holes are designated with visual markers corresponding to their price index and the set prices are visible through a window 30l in the high price cam 296.

When reference is made to a high price element or a low price element it should be apparent that such reference has nothing to do with the cost of that element. Rather it identifies that element as being particularly related to function in connection with the setting of one of two prices for items to be vended, one of the selected prices being higher than the other, hence the designation low price and high price.

Low price cam 297 includes a central ring member 302 which is integral with arcuate segment 303. Segment 303 includes a recessed section 304 which has a locating and limit pin 305 at one end thereof. Pin 305 extends through sgement 303 so that one end maybe selectively positioned in one of the pin holes 300 L to set the low price of the system. The otherend serves to limit clockwise rotation of cam 296 as will be hereinafter described. Adjacent section 304 is an arcuate shoulder 306 which is integral with upward facing arcuate cam surface 307.

High price cam 296 comprises a substantially circular member having recessed back section and a window 301 in its upper half, as viewed in the drawing. Numeral 308 designates the lower half planar surface having an extension 309 from which extends a lip 310. Extension 309 includes a centrally disposed axial opening 311 and a pair of concentric ring member s 312 and 313. Planar surface 308 is displaced in a plane forward to the plane of the arcuate joining rib 314, the top surface of which forms a cam surface 315 for the high price setting. To the rear of cam 296 spaced adjacent the periphery thereof there projects a plurality of pins 291 adapted to be engaged between the extensions 289 of gear segment 28.5 which causes the high price cam 296 to be rotated clockwise when solenoid 278 is energized.

To this end, cams 296 and 297 are arranged for movement relative to each other in one direction, cam 297 being held stationary while cam 296 is rotated. Cams 296 and 297 are also arranged to rotate together in the counterclockwise direction when ratchet wheel 241 is stepped.

In the assembled position, ring 30 2 is positioned behind extension 309 with lip 310 being positioned adjacent the surface 303 in overlying relationship. Lock plate 298 includes an arcuate segment having an inwardly extending rod 316 having a first reduced diameter portion 317 and a further reduced diameter section forming a pin 318. Rod 316 passes through window 301 and pin 318 is selectively positioned in one of the pin holes 300 1-1 to set the high price.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the pins of pricing cam 292 are set in appropriate holes 300 of the pricing wheel 295 for vending of cent and 25 cent items. Spring 319 has one end hooked about ear 320 on surface 308 and its other end about rod 316. Thus, cam 296 is biased by spring 319 such that its shoulder 321 bears against the reduced diameter portion 317 with pin 318 in the hole 300 H corresponding to the 25 cent price. Cam 296 may be rotated clockwise, independent of cam 297 until shoulder 322, diametrically opposite shoulder 321, engages the forward extending end of pin 303 which acts as a stop.

Wheel 295 is received within the rearward recessed section of cam 296 and held thereto by screw 299 which seats a raised portion 327 of plate 298 against inner ring 313. Outer ring 312 on cam 296 rotates clockwise relative to plate 298 when cam 296 is rotated by segment 285, however, because both the low and high price cams 295 and 297 have their pins positioned in price setting pin holes of wheel 295, both cams are rotated simultaneously clockwise and counterclockwise when the pricing wheel is driven through the ratchet wheel assembly.

In order to effect a proper payout, the high price cam 296 includes a plurality of selectively spaced projections 323 which cooperate with payout rods 324 and 325. An extension 326 on cam 296 limits clockwise movement of the pricing cam 292 to the point where extension 326 engages rods 324 and 325. An extension 326 on cam 296 limits clockwise movement of the pricing cam 292 to the point where extension 326 engages rods 324 and 325.

Referring to FIG. 2A, the pricing cam 2-92 is shown as it appears when indexed to a position corresponding to the deposit of coins having a total value of fifteen cents. For sensing when the value of coins deposited corresponds to either the preselected low or high setting of the pricing cam, a pair of microswitches 330 and 331 are mounted adjacent each other and on plate 201 with their actuating arms extending in the path of movement of cam surfaces 307 and 315. Switch 330 is the low price switch and includes a pair of internal normally open contacts adapted to be actuated to the closed position when pricing cam 292 is indexed to its low price position corresponding to the position shown in FIG. 2A.

To this end, the internal switch contacts of switch 330 are connected in a conventional manner to an actuating arm 332, having a follower roller 333 mounted at its free end. Roller 333 normally rides along the cam surface 307. So long as roller 333 is in engagement with surface 307, the contacts of switch 330 remain open. As cam 292 is stepped in the clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 2A, roller 333 eventually reaches the edge of the cam surface 307 and drops below the surface as the cam is further stepped. In this position, the contacts of switch 307 are closed to signal the establishment of low price credit to the control circuits.

High pricing switch 331 includes a pair of normally open contacts and operates in a manner similar to switch 330. An actuating arm 334 is connected to its normally open contacts. The free end of arm 334 has a roller 335 mounted there to which rides in cam surface 315. So long as roller 335 is on surface 315, the contacts of switch 331 remain open.

Mounted to the left of the pricing cam 292 on frame 201 is microswitch 336 which functions as a double cycle payout switch. Switch 336 is electrically connected with the payout motor 337 to enable the payout motor to be cycled twice when more than 15 cents change is required. Switch 336 includes a pair of normally open contacts which may be actuated to their closed position upon depression of actuator 338 which extends beyond the switch housing. Actuator 338-is depressed when the outermost abutment 339 on cam 296 bears against lever arm 340. This occurs, for the fifteen cent setting as shown in FIG. 2A after 35 cents or more has been deposited and a low selection made and for the 25 cent setting after 45 cents has been deposited and either a high or low selection is made.

For example, assuming 35 cents has been deposited, pricing cam 292 is indexed clockwise seven steps. At this point, abutment 339 is still two steps shy of the point where it hits arm 340 to cause actuator 338 to be depressed. Both switches 330 and 331 have been actuated to indicate the establishment of high and low credit. A high price selection of 25 cents requires only a 10 cent payout of change which is normally accomplished on a single cycle of the payout motor. A low price selection of 15 cents requires a 20 cent payout. Because the payment module includes only 5 cent and 10 cent tubes, the maximum payout per cycle is -15 cents. To enable a payout of up to 30 cents, the payout motor must be cycled twice. In the specific example, should the high price selection be exhausted, a low price selection may be made in which case low price solenoid 278 is energized and armature 280 is pulled in. Gear segment 285 rotates counterclockwise and its extension 289 engages the rear pins on teeth 291 of the pricing cam, rotating it clockwise until abutment 339 contacts arm 340 causing actuator 338 to be pushed inward to close the switch contacts.

Lever arm 340 is pivotally supported on pivot 341 mounted on bracket 342. The lower end of arm 340 as viewed in the drawing bears against a roller surface 343 extending outwardly from cross arm 344. Arm 344 is pivoted on pin 345 and normally rests on an pin, not shown, inwardly extending from arm 340. This pin bears against a cam surface on latch lug 350. A spring 346 has one end hooked to ear 347 on arm 340 and its other end hooked to an ear, not shown, on the hidden arm of arm 344 and biases the arm 340 in position as shown. Arm 344 includes a right angle downward depending extension 348 adapted to be actuated by the payout rod drive linkage 349 each time it is driven to a raised position.

In operation, as abutment 339 engages arm 340, the arm rotates counterclockwise about its pivot causing I the lower inward pin, not shown, to move along the surface of lug 350, until it clears the edge of the lug. The lug then falls behind the pin and locks arm 340 to keep switch 336 closed during the initial cycle of the payout motor. Upon completion of its initial cycle, the power to the payout motor is still maintained through switch 336 and a second cycle begins. During the initial cycle, abutment 339 is maintained in engagement with arm 340 until after linkage 349 is on its return stroke and out of contact with extension 348. Pricing cam 292 is then returned to its home position and the second payout cycle started. Linkage 349 is driven upwardly, contacting extension 348 causing arm 344 to rotate about its pivot until lug 350 is clear of the inward pin, not shown. The latch is thus broken and arm 340 roexample in US. Pat. Nos. 3,159,268 and 3,244,185 and accordingly reference thereto may be made for a detailed description thereof.

Referring to FlG. 2A, numeral 337 designates a shaded pole motor supported on housing 360 within which is housed a gear train. The gear train is associated with and forms part of motor 337. Numeral 361 denotes the output shaft of the gear train within the gear housing 360 and is, effectively, the output shaft of the motor except that it rotates at a considerable lesser speed than that of the motor through gear reduction. Shaft 361 supports a timing cam 362 which is rotated one-half of a revolution and then brought to rest during each normal cycle of operation of the payout motor. Timing cam 362 includes a pair of raised lobes 363, 364 adapted to contact a pair of switch actuators 365 of two adjacent switches 366, only one of which is shown. Each of the switches 366 is mounted on bracket 367 adjacent the timing camand includes apair of normally open contacts adapted to be closed when its actuator 365 is pushed in. The contacts of switches 366 serve to break the hot line connections to CREM 270 and 271 to thereby deenergize the solenoids and block metrical lobe surfaces for an actuating follower on each cycle of the payout motor. Numeral 369 designates a boss mounted to housing 360. Rotatably supported on boss 369 are a pair of levers 370 and 37 1. Lever 370 supports at one end thereof, the lower end as viewed in the drawing, a follower, not shown, which rides on a multilobe cam 372, generally of an S shape configuration having a pair of oppositely'disposed lobes. The other end of lever 370 has hooked thereto the lower end of a reset linkage 267 so as to drive reset gear 262 once each cycle in response to operation of the payout mechanism. Lever 371 supports at one end a cam follower 373 which rides on one of the lobes of multilobe cam 374. Cam 374 is generally of S configuration and is disposed in a plane inwardly of the planeof cam 372. The other end of lever 371 is connectedtorpayout rod linkage 349 disposed between payout rods 324 and 325.

Rods 324 and 325 are spring biased by springs 327 v and 328 against linkage 349 and extend in front of coin eject openings, not shown, disposed below and adjacent nickel tube 379 and dime storage tube 380. Payout rods 324 and 325 each include a reduced diameter portion 375 forming a shoulder 376 on each rod which bears against the side edges 377 of opposite facing channels formed in linkage 349. The extreme ends of rods 324 and 325 pass through guide openings provider in bracket 378 mounted to the motor 337.

Numeral 388 designates a conventional insufficient change switch arrangement which monitors the supply 14 of nickels and dimes in the change tube reservoirs. If an inadequate supply of coins are in the reservoirs feeler 382 is allowed to swing inwardly to enter a slot, not shown, in the side of the change tube to cause switch 381 to switch its contacts and energize a lamp in the vending machine which is associated with a sign indicating that correct change should be used. Feeler 382 includes side pins 383 which are freely supported for rotation on oppositely disposed side brackets 384. Positioned above switch 381and the nickel and dime i'eservoir is a coin guide 385 which receives nickels and dimes from the chutes of the credit registry module 12 and guides the coins into the proper nickel and dime storage chuts.

Numeral 386 designates a manual inventory slide actuator which cooperates with switch 387 mounted behind coin return chute 17 to enable an operator to empty the contents of the storage tubes by continuous energization of the payout motor. Switch 387 includes an actuator arm 388 having a cam follower 389 normally received in one of two depressions on cam 368 and times operation of the payout: motor. Tothis end, upon selection of a vend cycle and initial energization of the payout motor, rotation thereof causes shaft 3.68 to turn and follower 389 to be raised out of its depression and on the surface of cam 368 In this position, the normally open switch 387 is actuated to a closed position and maintains the payout motor energized until the follower 389 falls into the next depression. At this point the payout motor times out and is deenergized unless a double payout has been indicated by actuation of switch 336 which is connected incircuit to allow the payout motor to be'energized through a second cycle.

The circuit of the present invention controls the vend cycle of a multi-selection coin operated vending machine having a plurality of columns containing articles to be vended at two different prices, wherein dispensing from each column is controlled by a vend motor or solenoid. In the illustrated embodiment, the control circuit is shown in connection with a four column vending machine wherein dispensingfrom eachcolumn is controlled bya vendrhotor. Reference may be made to US. Pat. Nos. 2,835,409; 3,175,728 and 3,349,961 for a general description of known forms of dispensing apparatus with which the circuit of the present invention may be used. It should also be recognizedthat the control circuit of the present invention is readilyadapted for conversion of existing single price vend control systemsofthe typeshown, for example, in US. Pat. Nos. 3,349,881; 3,486,601 and 3,613,854. Further, itis possible to set cams 296 and 297 so that their fall-off edges coincide. In such an arrangement, each cam. would still enable the selection circuitsof its associated columns, but all articles would be vended at the'same unit price.

For convenience, the control circuit is illustrated in FIG. 4 in connection with a coin operated vending machine having four columns or stacks of articles designated A,-B, C and D. More or less than four columns may be utilized without changing the operating sequence for dispensing an article from anyone column, it generally being a requirement that for dual price vending at least two storage columns must be provided.

To facilitate a description of the invention, each the component in relation to its operation with respect to a particular column, an alphabetical character corresponding to the particular column with which the component is associated with be used in conjunction with the numerical reference character.

By way of example, the circuit is illustrated in the standby condition with the pricing cam 292 set for vending of 15 cents and 25 cents articles, and columns A and B having the higher priced articles stored therein, while columns C and D store the lower priced articles.

Briefly summarizing the operation of the circuit, the coin changer mechanism cannot accept coins to actuate the high or the low price switches 331 and 330, respectively, unless the coin reject electromagnets, hereinafter designated CREM, 270 and 271 are energized. A separate energization control circuit is provided for the 25 cents CREM 270 through change tube switch 382 to insure that a proper amount of change is available before quarters are accepted. Actuation of either the low price switch or both the low and the high price switch establishes credit for the corresponding columns by means of an enabling circuit established to the customer selection switches 405. Upon establishment of the enabling circuit to the selector switches, actuation of a selector switch 405 in accordance with established credit initiates a vend cycle to cause delivery of an article from a selected column with correct change payout. The vend motor 400 energized upon actuation of the associated selector switch 405 has a cam driven member associated therewith which actuates a timer switch 401 which breaks the initial power I circuit to the vending motor insuring delivery of only one article per established credit. Also, the payout motor actuates a pair of switches 366 connected to effect energization of CREM 270 and 271 and prevent the coin changer mechanism from accepting coins during a payout cycle.

Referring to FIG. 4, each column has associated therewith a vend motor 400, a timer switch 401, a pair of sold-out switches 402 and 403, a sold-out indicator light 404, a selector switch 405 and a selector relay 406. in addition to the components associated with aparticular column, a number of common control components are provided including high price switch 330,

low price switch 331, insufficient change switch 382,

payout motor timer switch 387, low price solenoid 378, CREMs 270 and 271, vend relay 407, high price relay 408, low price relay 409, payout motor 359, credit light 410 and use correct change light 411.

Power to the circuit is applied across a pair of supply conductors 412 and 413 which may be connected to a conventional supply source, not shown. The positive terminal connected to line 412 designates the hot line", while the terminal connected to line 413 designates the ground return line.

When the machine is in normal working order, credit is established upon insertion of the proper value of coinage into the machine and actuation of one or both of the associated high and low price coin switches 331 and 330, respectively. Each price switch is a single pole single throw switch having a pair of normally open contacts adapted to be actuated to a closed position upon stepping of the pricing cam 292 to the established price position. As should be apparent, coin changer 10 is adapted to receive coins of greater value than the of switch 330 enables the low price selection circuit, while closure of switch 331 (which necessitates closure of switch 330) enables both the high and low price selection circuits. This permits alternate selection of high or low price items even though sufficient change is inserted for a high price item.

To this end, low price switch 330 includes a movable contact arm adapted to be displaced from a first position to a second position which establishes the closed position of the switch. Likewise, switch 331 includes a movable contact arm adapted tobe displaced from a first position to a second position which establishes the closed position of that switch. Switch 330 is closed when coins having a value corresponding to the low price setting of the pricing cam 292 have been received. In the present example, this value is 15 cents. High price switch 331 has its movable arm actuated to establish the closed position of the switch when the total value of coins deposited reaches the high price setting, i.e., 25 cents. The movable contact arms of switches 330 and 331 are connected to conductor 414 which is in turn connected to power line 412 through terminal 1.

Reference character 415 identifies the dash lines which set apart those components of the I system mounted within the coin changer mechanism 10. Thus, the components within the coin changer mechanism are electrically connected in a convenient manner to the components within the vending machine proper by means of a conventional Jones plug or other suitable terminal board arrangement designated by terminals 1 through 8.

The lower fixed contact of switch 330 as viewed in the drawing is connected via conductor 416 and terminal 3 and conductor 417 to one end of the operating coil of vend relay 407. The lower contact of switch 331 as viewed in the drawing is connected via conductor.

418, terminal 4 and conductor 419 to one end of the high price relay. The other end of the operating coils vend relay 407 and high price relay 407 are returned directly to the ground power line 413.

Thus, upon closure of either the low price switch 330 or the high price switch 331 (low price switch 330 is always closed when high price switch 331 is closed) power is applied across the operating coil of the vend relay. Upon closure of high price switch 331, power is also applied across the operating coil of high price relay 408.

Vend relay 407 includes a'pair of normally opencontacts formed by a movable contactarm and a fixed contact. Upon energization of the operating coil, the normally open contacts close. The movable contact arm of vend relay 407 is connected through conductor 420 to power line 412. The fixed contact of vend relay 407 is connected through conductor 421 to the upper movable contact arm, as viewed in the drawing of low price relay 409. Terminal 3 of the Jones piug'is also connected to one end of the low price relay through conductor 422 and the normally closed upper set of contacts as viewed iin the drawing of each of the selector relays.

Thus, upon closure of the low price switch 331, terminal 3 of the Jones plug is made hot and power is applied across the operating coil of vend relay 407 and the operation coil of low price relay 409. Upon closure of the high price switch, which also necessitates closure of the low price switch, power is also applied through terminals 4 and acrossthe operating coil of the high price relay 408, thus energizing both the high and the low price relay.

Terminal 1 is also connected via conductor 423 to the movable contact arm of normally open single pole payout timer switch 387. The lower contact of switch 387 as viewed in the drawing is connected to one end of payout motor 359 via conductor 424. That end of payout motor is also connected to terminal 7 of the Jones plug via conductor 425. Terminal 7 is in turn connected by conductor 426 in series with the normally closed upper set of contacts of low price relay 409. The movable contact arm of that set of contacts of relay 409 is returned to the power line 412 through the contacts of relay 307 when relay 407 is energized. The other side of the payout motor is returned through conductor 427 to terminal 2 of the Jones plug and thence to the ground line. Terminal 2 which returns toground line 413 is also connected via line 427 to one end of the operating coil of low price solenoid 278. The outer end of solenoid 278 is returned to terminal 8 through conductor 428. Terminal 8 of the Jones plug is in turn serially connected through the lower set of normally closed contacts of relay 409 to the normally open lower set, as viewed in the drawings, of contacts of selector relays 406C and 406D. CREMs 270 and 271 provide a conventional coin blockingfunction through operation of their armatures as hereinbefore described and have one end of their operating coils connected in common through conductor 429 to terminal 6 of the Jones plug. The other side of terminal 6 is returned to the hot line 412 via conductor 430 and the normally closed lower set of contacts, as viewed in the drawing, of relay 408, conductor 431 connected to the movable contact arm of that set of contacts and one or more of the normally closed contacts of sold-out switches 403. The other side of CREMs 270 and 271 are separately returned to the ground line 413. To this end, the operating coil of CREM 271 has its other side connected through conductor 432 directly to terminal 2 while the other side ofthe operating coil of CREM 270 is returned to terminal 2 through conductor 433 and the normally closed contacts of switch 382. Switch 382 is a single pole two position switch which in one position establishes a power circuit to CREM 270 as described, and in its other position establishes a connection between the ground line 413, conductor 434 and terminal 5 of the Jones plug. Use correct change lamp 411 is connected across terminals 5 and 6 of the Jones plug. Terminal 6 is returned to the hot power line 412 through conductor 430 and the normally closed lower set of contacts of relay 408. Terminal 5 is returned via conductor 436 to one end of the use correct change lamp 411. The other end of the lamp is connected via conductor 435' to terminal 6.

Each vend motor 400 has cooperatively associated therewith a corresponding timer switch 401. Each timer switch comprises a single pole double throw switch cammed to operate from its associated motor as indicated by the linking dash lines. Each switch includes a movable contact arm 440 and a pair of fixed contacts 441 and 442. Fixed contacts 441 are connected in common directly to power line 412. Fixed contact 442 of each switch is connected to one side of the operating coil of the associated selector relay 406. The movable contact arm 440 of each switch 401 is connected to an associated sold-out switch 402 through conductor 443. Each sold-outswitch includes an pair of normally closed contacts adapted to open and deenergize the vend motor circuit upon depletion of the supply of articles in an associated column. Conductor 444 connects the sold-out switch to its associated selector switch 405. Each selector switch comprises a single pull, double throw switch having a pair of fixed contacts 445 and 446 and a movable contact arm 447. As shown in FIG. 4, movable contact arm 447D is serially connected to fixed contact 446C through conductor 448. Movable contact arm 447C is connected via conductor 449 to the normally open upper set of contacts of low price relay 409. Likwise, the movable contact arm 4478 is connected to contact 446A and contact 4478 is connected via conductor 450 to the normally open upper set of contacts, as viewed in the drawing, of high price relay 408.

As is customary in the art, two groups of sold-out switches are provided. One group comprising switches 402 in each column is provided in series with the associated vend motors to prevent establishment of an energizing circuit for corresponding vend motor when the supply of articles in that column is depleted. A second group of sold-out switches 403 is provided in series, with power line 412 and each switch of this group is connected to an associated sold-out lamp 404, one each corresponding to a column of articles to be dispensed. Upon depletion of the supply of articles in a column, the switch for that column is actuated from a first position to a second position to connect the corresponding sold-out lamp across the power circuit to provide an external indication of the exhaustion of the supply ofarticles in that column. Switches 403 are connected in parallel and through conductor 431 to the lower set of normally closed contacts of relay 409, terminal 6 and thence to the common side of electromagnets 270 and 271. Thus, should all columns be ex hausted, the power circuit to electromagnets 270 and 271 will be broken preventing the coin vending ma- I complets its cycle. Advantageously, each timer switch may take the form of a microswitch. having its movable contacts biased in the first position and adapted to be released to a second position by a timer cam, not shown, driven from the shaft of a corresponding vend motor. Upon energization of the appropriate vend motor, the corresponding timer cam is driven so as to allow the corresponding timer switch to snap to its second position whereupon contacts 440 and 442 close. As the motor approaches the end ofits cycle position, arm 440 is returned to its initial position to open the bypass circuit. r V

Eachof the selector relays 406 comprises an operating coil and two sets of contacts, an upper set and a lower set as viewed in the drawing. One end of the operating coil of each selector relay is connected in common directly to the ground return line 413 via conductor 442. The other end of each selector relay coil is adapted to be connected to the hot line 412 via an establish credit circuit wich may be traced via conductor 451. the normally closed contacts of timer switch 401,

conductor 443, the closed contacts of a sold-out switch 402, the closed contacts of an actuated selector switch 405, either conductor 449 or 450, depending on whether low or high price credit has been established, the closed upper set of contacts of the low or high price relay, depending which is energized, the closed contacts of the energized vend relay 407 and conductor 420. in the case of a high price selection an intermediate enabling circuit is established between the selector switch and the upper closed contacts of low price relay 409. This intermediate circuit may be traced as follows: from a high price selector switch 405, conductor 450, the upper set of contacts of the energized high price relay 408, conductor 453, the series connected low price selector switches 405 and conductor 449. Credit lamp 410 connected across contact 446 and line 413 lights to indicate credit is whenever power is present at the low price switch contacts.

The operation of the present invention will now be described by way of example with respect to a low price selection made after deposit of two dimes. All columns are assumed full and sufficient change is present in the nickel and dime change tube columns so that change tube switch is in its up position as shown in FIG. 4, and the circuit is in the stand-by condition. With switch 382 up, power is applied across the operating coils of both CREM s 270 and 271 so that their armatures are pulled in and coins in the nickel, dime and quarter denomination may be received and passed through the coin separator 11.

The coin separator processes the two dimes deposited in accordance with the present example and directs the dimes one at a time through the dime chute in credit registry module 12. As the first dime passes through module 12 it actuates switches 212 and 215 in succession as it contacts and forces down actuating arms 211 and 214 during its passage through the dime chute. The second dime likewise actuates switches 212 and 215 in succession. Each time switch 212 or 215 is actuated, solenoid 221 is pulsed to step ratchet wheel one position counterclockwise as viewed in FIG. 2B. As the ratchet wheel is stepped for the third time, roller 333 which was riding on surface 307 passes the edge thereof and falls downward causing low price switch 330 to be actuated'to its closed position. The fourth step of the ratchet wheel has no effect as roller 335 is still riding on surface 315.

Closure of the contacts of switch 330 establishes low price credit by connecting the operating coils of vend relay 407 and low price relay 409 across power lines 412 and 413.- Power to low price relay 409 is applied through the series connected upper set of contacts of the deenergized selector relay. Upon energization of relay 409 its contacts are pulled in (upward as viewed in the drawing) and power is applied to the low price select switches 405C and 405D. The circuit may be traced from line 412 through conductor 420. The closed contacts of vend relay 407, conductor 421, the now closed contacts of relay 409, conductor 449, switch circuit 447C, 446C, jumper 448, switch contacts 447D, 446D and credit lamp 410 to line 413.

The unit is now ready for a low price selection which is made by the operator by actuation of a low price selector switch say. for example. in column C. Contacts 447C and 445C close and power is applied via conductor 443C to effect initial energization of vend motor 400C. while the power to switch 405D is simultaneously interrupted. Closure of contacts 447C and 445C also results in power being applied across the op- 20 erating coil of selector relay 405C throughcontacts 440C and 442C of the vend motor timer switch 440C. Energization of relay 406C causes its contacts to pull in, upward as viewed in the drawing. The upper set of contacts of relay 406C now establish a temporary holding circuit for the vend motor 400C and selector relay 406C when the selector switch 405C is returned to its normal position removing power from conductor 443C. The holding circuit may be traced as follows: from the lower end of the operating coil of energized relay 406C, through its upper set of contacts, through the upper set of contacts of the deenergized relay 406D, conductors 422, 417, pin 3, now closed low price switch 331 and pin 7 to conductor 412.

Energization of selector relay 406C also removes power from the operating coil of low price relay 409 previously energized through the upper set of contacts with relay 406C deenergized. The upper set of contacts of the energized vend relay were utilized to provide power to select switches 405C and 405D. The lower set of contacts, now pulled up, of the energized establish the power circuit for the low price solenoid which, as will be recalled, rotates the pricing cam for proper positioning of the payout abutments 323. This circuit may be traced from solenoid-278 through conductor 428, pin 8, the lower set of contacts of the now deenergized low price relay 409, the lower set of contacts, now pulled up, of selector relay 406C and the lower set of contacts of deenergized relay 406D to line 412. Deenergization of low price relay 409 establishes power to the payout motor through its upperset of contacts and the closed contacts of the vend relay.

After a short interval following energization of vend motor'400C, timer switch 401C is switched to its other or up position. Power is maintained on the motor through contacts 440C and 441C, the latter being returned to line 412. In the machine, payout motor 359 runs through its cycle operating reset link 267 to reset the pricing cam and thereby returning low price switch 330 to its initial condition. This removes power from all relays, but power to the payout motor is maintained through its own cam operated timer switch 387 which now connects the motor across terminals 1 and 2. The payout motor remains energized until the payout motor cam returns the switch 387 to its initial condition. Likewise, vend motor 400C remains energized until its timer switch'401C is returned to its initial condition.

There has thus been described an operating sequence for a low price selection. it will now be apparent that a high price selection follows a similar sequence upon closure of the high price switch 331 and can be traced from the drawings.

During the course of the foregoing description, frequent reference has been made to terms such as upper set, lower set, clockwise, counterclockwise, front, back, top, bottom, up, down, etc. it should be apparent that these are relative terms and are used to aid in the description of the component parts as viewed in the drawings and are not intended to limit the physical structure of the referred to component.

While there has been described and illustrated one specific embodiment of the invention, it will be apparent from a reading of the foregoing description that variations of the details of construction which are specifically illustrated and described may be made without department from the true spirit of the invention. Ac-

v 21 cordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims to determine the full scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. In a coin operated vending machine having a plurality of columns of articles, at least one column containing articles to be dispensed at a first unit price, at least one other column containing articles to be dispensed at a second unit price, said articles adapted to beselectively dispensed, one at a time, upon energization of an associated dispensing mechanism for each column according to a vend selection made by a customer, the improvement comprising means for establishing credit corresponding to the first unit price and the second unit price, and payout means adapted to be energized upon vend selection to payout change corresponding to the difference in price between the unit price of a selected article and the value of the coins inserted, said means for establishing credit including a high price circuit and a low price circuit, said low price circuit including first relay means adapted to be energized upon the deposit of coins having a total value equal to at least the first unit price, said high price circuit including second relay means adapted to be energized upon the deposit of coins having a total value equal to at least the second unit price, a selector switch for each column, said first relay means upon energization thereof being arranged to establish a power enabling circuit to the selector switches for the column containing articles at the first unit price and said second relay means upon energization thereof being arranged to establish a power enabling circuit to the selector switches for the columns containing articles at the second unit price.

2. A coin operated vending machine as set forth in claim 1, wherein the selector switches corresponding to columns containing articles at the first unit price are serially connected to each other when said switches are in a first position, said series connection adapted to be broken when any one of said switches is actuated to a second position to thereby energize an associated vend mechanism.

3. A coin operated vending machine as set forth in claim 1, wherein the selector switches corresponding to columns containing articles at the second unit price are serially connected to each other when said switches are in a first position, said series connection adapted to be broken when any one of said switches is actuated to a second position to thereby energize the associated dispensing mechanism.

4. A coin operated vending machine as set forth in claim 2, wherein the selector switches corresponding to columns containing articles at the second unit price are serially connected to each other when said switches are in a first position, said latter series connection adapted to be broken when any one of said latter switches is actuated to a second position to thereby energize the associated dispensing mechanism.

5. A coin operated vending machine as set forth in claim 1, wherein said second unit price is higher than said first unit price and said means for establishing credit further includes a first switch adapted to be actuated from a first to a second position upon deposit of coins equal in total value to at least said first unit price and a second switch adapted to be actuated from a first toa second position upon deposit of coins equal in value to at least said second unit price, said first switch in its second position being connected to apply power to said first circuit and said second switch in its second position being connected to apply power to said second circuit.

6. A coin operated vending machine as set forth in claim 5. wherein said means for establishing credit further includes cam means for actuating said first and said second switches to their second position.

7. A coin operated vending machine as set forth in claim 6, including means for indexing said cam means in accordance with the value of coins deposited in the cles, said dispensing means including at least two col umns, one column containing articles to be dispensed at a first unit price, the other column containing articles to be dispensed at a second unit price and payout means for change payout, the improvement comprising dual price vend control means for establishing credit corresponding to the first or the second unit price and effecting a payout of change upon vend selection when the total value of coins received is greater than the established credit, said vend control means comprising a first circuit for establishing credit corresponding to the first unit price and controlling the dispensing of articles from the first column and a second circuit for establishing credit corresponding to the second unit price and controlling the dispensing of articles from the second column, said vend control means comprising first switch means for enabling said first circuit and second switch means for enabling said second circuit, the inedexing means including cam means for actuating said first and said second switch means, and said cam means including a pair of adjacent cam surfaces, one of said cam surfaces being shorter than the other, said first and second switch means each having, respectively, an actuator arm for actuating the corresponding switch from a first to a second position, the actuator arm of said first switch being biased against the longer cam surface and the actuator arm of said second switch being biased against the shorter cam surface.

9. In a coinoperated vending machine having a coin receiving means for receiving and separating nickels, dimes and quarters, indexing means adapted to be indexed in accordance with the value of coins received,

article dispensing means for storing and dispensing articles, said dispensing means including at least two columns, one column containing articles to be dispensed at a first unit price, the other column containing arti-- cles to be dispensed at a second unit price and payout means for change payout, the improvement comprising dual price vend control means for establishing credit corresponding to the first or the second unit price and affecting a payout of change upon vend selection when the total value of coins received is greater than the established credit, said vend control means comprising a first circuit for establishing credit corresponding to the first unit price and controlling the dispensing of articles from the first column and a second circuit for establishing credit corresponding to the second unit price and controlling the dispensing of articles from the second column, said vend control means comprising first switch means for enabling said first circuit and second switch means for enabling said second circuit, said first circuit being a high price circuit and said second circuit being a low price circuit, said low price circuit including first relay means adapted to be energized upon the deposit of coins having a total value equal to at least the first unit price, said high price circuit including second relay means adapted to be energized upon the deposit of coins having a total value equal to at least the second unit price, a selector switch for each column, said first relay means upon energization thereof being arranged to establish a power enabling circuit to the selector switches for the column containing articles at the first unit-price and said second relay means upon energizatio'n thereof being arranged to establish a power enabling circuit to the selector switches for the columns containing articles at the second unit price. v

10. A coin operated vending machine as set forth in claim 9, wherein the selector switches corresponding to columns containing articles at the first unit price are serially connected to each other when said switches are in a first position, said series connection adapted to be broken when any one of said switches is actuated to a second position to thereby energize an associated vend mechanism.

11. A coin operated vending machine as set forth in claim 9, wherein the selector switches corresponding to columns containing articles at the second unit price are serially connected to each other when said switches are in a first position, said seriesconnection adapted to be broken when any one of said switches is actuated to a second position to thereby energize the associated dispensing mechanism.

12. A coin operated vending machine as set forth in claim 10, wherein the selector switches corresponding to columns containing articles at the second unit price are serially connected to each other when said switches are in a first position, said latter series connection adapted to be broken when any one of said latter switches is actuated to a second position to thereby energize the associated dispensing mechanism.

13. ln a coin operated vending machine having a coin receiving means for receiving and separating nickels, dimes and quarters, indexing means adapted to be indexed in accordance with the value of coins received, article dispensing means for storing and dispensing articles, said dispensing means including at least two columns, one column containing articles to be dispensed at a first unit price, the other column containing articles to be dispensed at a second unit price and payout means for change payout, the improvement comprising dual price vend control means for establishing credit corresponding to the first or the second unit price and effecting a payout of change upon vend selection when the total value of coins received is greater than the established credit, said vend control means comprising a first circuit for establishing credit corresponding to the first unit price and controlling the dispensing of articles from the first column and a second circuit for establishing credit corresponding to the second unit price and controlling the dispensing of articles from the second column, said second unit price being higher than said first unit price and said vend control means for establishing credit further includes a first switch adapted to be actuated from a first to a second position upon deposit of coins equal in total value to at least said first unit price and a second switch adapted to be actuated from a first to a second position upon deposit of coins equal in value to at least said second unit price, said first switch in its second position being connected to apply power to said first circuit and said second switch in its second position being connected to apply power to said second circuit.

14. A coin operated vending machine as set forth in claim 13, wherein said indexing means includes cam means for actuating said first and said second switches to their first and second positions.

15. A coin operated vending machine as set forth in claim 1 including a vend motor for each column and a vend circuit operatively connecting each vend motor to an associated selector switch in each column including means for removing established credit upon vend selection and preventing delivery of more than one article per established credit with proper payout of change where the value of credit established was greater than the price of the selected article.

16. A coin operated vending machine as set forth in claim 1 including a vend motor for each column and a vend circuit operatively connecting each vend motor to an associated selector switch in each column including for initiating energization of said payout motor upon vend selection with proper payout of change when the value of credit established is greater than the price of the selected article.

17. A coin operated vending machine as set forth in claim 1 including a vend motor for each column and circuit means operatively connecting each vend motor to an associated selector switch of a column so as to permit individual vend selection from each column while preventing simultaneous energization of two or more vend motors.

18. A coin operated vending machine as set forth in claim 1 including a vend motor for each column and circuit means operatively connecting each vend motor to an associated selector switch of a column and the payout means so as to prevent energization of said vend motor until after the establishment of proper credit and vend selection.

19. A coin operated vending machine as set forth in claim 18 wherein thecredit established is for the first unit price and the vend selection is for an article at said first unit price.

20. A coin operated vending machine as set forth in claim 18 wherein the credit established is for the second unit price and the vend selection is for an article at said second unit price.

21. A coin operated vending machine as set forth in claim 18 wherein the credit established is for either the first or the second unit price, said first unit price being greater than the second unit price and the vend selection being for an article at said second unit price.

22. A coin operated vending machine as set forth in claim 13 including a vend motor for each column and a vend circuit operatively connecting each vend motor to an associated selector switch in each column including means for removing established credit upon vend selection and preventing delivery of more than one article per established credit with proper payout of change where the value of credit established was greater than the price of the selected article.

23. A coin operated vending machine as set forth in claim 13 including a vend motor for each column and a vend circuit operatively connecting each vend motor to an associated selector switch in each column including for initiating energization of said payout motor upon vend selection with proper payout of change when the value of credit established is greater than the' price of the selected article.

24. A coin operated vending machine as set forth in claim 13 including a vend motor for each column and circuit means operatively connecting each vend motor to an associated selector switch of a'column so as to permit individual vend selection from each column, while preventing simultaneous energization of two or more vend motors.

25. A coin operated vending machine as set forth in claim 13 including a vend motor for each column and circuit means operatively connecting each vend motor to an associated selector switch of a column and the payout means as to prevent energization of said vend motor until after the establishment of proper credit and vend selection.

26. A coin operated vending machine as set forth in claim 25 wherein the credit established is for either the first or the second unit price, and the vend selection being for an article at said second unit price.

29. A coin operated vending machine as set forth in claim 5 wherein said means for establishing credit includes a coin change mechanism including means for actuating said first and said second switches to their second positions.

-gg UNITED STATES PATENT 0FFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent 3.776.339 msemheriblw If; Raymond D. Bowman It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

In the Abstract of the Disclosure, line 4,

"30 should be ---30---;

Column 3, line 16, "he" should be 'the-; Claim 6-, column 22, line 5, the period after "5" should be omitted;

Claim "25, column 25, linel4, after "means" insert --so-.

Signed and sealed this 21st day of May 1974.

(SEAL) Attest:

IGDWARD.M.FLETCHER,JR. i a c. MARSHALL DANN i h Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents 

1. In a coin operated vending machine having a plurality of columns of articles, at least one column containing articles to be dispensed at a first unit price, at least one other column containing articles to be dispensed at a second unit price, said articles adapted to be selectively dispensed, one at a time, upon energization of an associated dispensing mechanism for each column according to a vend selection made by a customer, the improvement comprising means for establishing credit corresponding to the first unit price and the second unit price, and payout means adapted to be energized upon vend selection to payout change corresponding to the difference in price between the unit price of a selected article and the value of the coins inserted, said means for establishing credit including a high price circuit and a low price circuit, said low price circuit including first relay means adapted to be energized upon the deposit of coins having a total value equal to at least the first unit price, said high price circuit including second relay means adapted to be energized upon the deposit of coins having a total value equal to at least the second unit price, a selector switch for each column, said first relay means upon energization thereof being arranged to establish a power enabling circuit to the selector switches for the column containing articles at the first unit price and said second relay means upon energization thereof being arranged to establish a power enabling circuit to the selector sWitches for the columns containing articles at the second unit price.
 2. A coin operated vending machine as set forth in claim 1, wherein the selector switches corresponding to columns containing articles at the first unit price are serially connected to each other when said switches are in a first position, said series connection adapted to be broken when any one of said switches is actuated to a second position to thereby energize an associated vend mechanism.
 3. A coin operated vending machine as set forth in claim 1, wherein the selector switches corresponding to columns containing articles at the second unit price are serially connected to each other when said switches are in a first position, said series connection adapted to be broken when any one of said switches is actuated to a second position to thereby energize the associated dispensing mechanism.
 4. A coin operated vending machine as set forth in claim 2, wherein the selector switches corresponding to columns containing articles at the second unit price are serially connected to each other when said switches are in a first position, said latter series connection adapted to be broken when any one of said latter switches is actuated to a second position to thereby energize the associated dispensing mechanism.
 5. A coin operated vending machine as set forth in claim 1, wherein said second unit price is higher than said first unit price and said means for establishing credit further includes a first switch adapted to be actuated from a first to a second position upon deposit of coins equal in total value to at least said first unit price and a second switch adapted to be actuated from a first to a second position upon deposit of coins equal in value to at least said second unit price, said first switch in its second position being connected to apply power to said first circuit and said second switch in its second position being connected to apply power to said second circuit.
 6. A coin operated vending machine as set forth in claim
 5. wherein said means for establishing credit further includes cam means for actuating said first and said second switches to their second position.
 7. A coin operated vending machine as set forth in claim 6, including means for indexing said cam means in accordance with the value of coins deposited in the vending machine.
 8. In a coin operated vending machine having a coin receiving means for receiving and separating nickels, dimes and quarters, indexing means adapted to be indexed in accordance with the value of coins received, article dispensing means for storing and dispensing articles, said dispensing means including at least two columns, one column containing articles to be dispensed at a first unit price, the other column containing articles to be dispensed at a second unit price and payout means for change payout, the improvement comprising dual price vend control means for establishing credit corresponding to the first or the second unit price and effecting a payout of change upon vend selection when the total value of coins received is greater than the established credit, said vend control means comprising a first circuit for establishing credit corresponding to the first unit price and controlling the dispensing of articles from the first column and a second circuit for establishing credit corresponding to the second unit price and controlling the dispensing of articles from the second column, said vend control means comprising first switch means for enabling said first circuit and second switch means for enabling said second circuit, the inedexing means including cam means for actuating said first and said second switch means, and said cam means including a pair of adjacent cam surfaces, one of said cam surfaces being shorter than the other, said first and second switch means each having, respectively, an actuator arm for actuating the corresponding switch from a first to a second position, the actuator arm of said first switch being biased against the lonGer cam surface and the actuator arm of said second switch being biased against the shorter cam surface.
 9. In a coin operated vending machine having a coin receiving means for receiving and separating nickels, dimes and quarters, indexing means adapted to be indexed in accordance with the value of coins received, article dispensing means for storing and dispensing articles, said dispensing means including at least two columns, one column containing articles to be dispensed at a first unit price, the other column containing articles to be dispensed at a second unit price and payout means for change payout, the improvement comprising dual price vend control means for establishing credit corresponding to the first or the second unit price and affecting a payout of change upon vend selection when the total value of coins received is greater than the established credit, said vend control means comprising a first circuit for establishing credit corresponding to the first unit price and controlling the dispensing of articles from the first column and a second circuit for establishing credit corresponding to the second unit price and controlling the dispensing of articles from the second column, said vend control means comprising first switch means for enabling said first circuit and second switch means for enabling said second circuit, said first circuit being a high price circuit and said second circuit being a low price circuit, said low price circuit including first relay means adapted to be energized upon the deposit of coins having a total value equal to at least the first unit price, said high price circuit including second relay means adapted to be energized upon the deposit of coins having a total value equal to at least the second unit price, a selector switch for each column, said first relay means upon energization thereof being arranged to establish a power enabling circuit to the selector switches for the column containing articles at the first unit price and said second relay means upon energization thereof being arranged to establish a power enabling circuit to the selector switches for the columns containing articles at the second unit price.
 10. A coin operated vending machine as set forth in claim 9, wherein the selector switches corresponding to columns containing articles at the first unit price are serially connected to each other when said switches are in a first position, said series connection adapted to be broken when any one of said switches is actuated to a second position to thereby energize an associated vend mechanism.
 11. A coin operated vending machine as set forth in claim 9, wherein the selector switches corresponding to columns containing articles at the second unit price are serially connected to each other when said switches are in a first position, said series connection adapted to be broken when any one of said switches is actuated to a second position to thereby energize the associated dispensing mechanism.
 12. A coin operated vending machine as set forth in claim 10, wherein the selector switches corresponding to columns containing articles at the second unit price are serially connected to each other when said switches are in a first position, said latter series connection adapted to be broken when any one of said latter switches is actuated to a second position to thereby energize the associated dispensing mechanism.
 13. In a coin operated vending machine having a coin receiving means for receiving and separating nickels, dimes and quarters, indexing means adapted to be indexed in accordance with the value of coins received, article dispensing means for storing and dispensing articles, said dispensing means including at least two columns, one column containing articles to be dispensed at a first unit price, the other column containing articles to be dispensed at a second unit price and payout means for change payout, the improvement comprising dual price vend control means for establishing credit corresponding to the first or the Second unit price and effecting a payout of change upon vend selection when the total value of coins received is greater than the established credit, said vend control means comprising a first circuit for establishing credit corresponding to the first unit price and controlling the dispensing of articles from the first column and a second circuit for establishing credit corresponding to the second unit price and controlling the dispensing of articles from the second column, said second unit price being higher than said first unit price and said vend control means for establishing credit further includes a first switch adapted to be actuated from a first to a second position upon deposit of coins equal in total value to at least said first unit price and a second switch adapted to be actuated from a first to a second position upon deposit of coins equal in value to at least said second unit price, said first switch in its second position being connected to apply power to said first circuit and said second switch in its second position being connected to apply power to said second circuit.
 14. A coin operated vending machine as set forth in claim 13, wherein said indexing means includes cam means for actuating said first and said second switches to their first and second positions.
 15. A coin operated vending machine as set forth in claim 1 including a vend motor for each column and a vend circuit operatively connecting each vend motor to an associated selector switch in each column including means for removing established credit upon vend selection and preventing delivery of more than one article per established credit with proper payout of change where the value of credit established was greater than the price of the selected article.
 16. A coin operated vending machine as set forth in claim 1 including a vend motor for each column and a vend circuit operatively connecting each vend motor to an associated selector switch in each column including for initiating energization of said payout motor upon vend selection with proper payout of change when the value of credit established is greater than the price of the selected article.
 17. A coin operated vending machine as set forth in claim 1 including a vend motor for each column and circuit means operatively connecting each vend motor to an associated selector switch of a column so as to permit individual vend selection from each column while preventing simultaneous energization of two or more vend motors.
 18. A coin operated vending machine as set forth in claim 1 including a vend motor for each column and circuit means operatively connecting each vend motor to an associated selector switch of a column and the payout means so as to prevent energization of said vend motor until after the establishment of proper credit and vend selection.
 19. A coin operated vending machine as set forth in claim 18 wherein the credit established is for the first unit price and the vend selection is for an article at said first unit price.
 20. A coin operated vending machine as set forth in claim 18 wherein the credit established is for the second unit price and the vend selection is for an article at said second unit price.
 21. A coin operated vending machine as set forth in claim 18 wherein the credit established is for either the first or the second unit price, said first unit price being greater than the second unit price and the vend selection being for an article at said second unit price.
 22. A coin operated vending machine as set forth in claim 13 including a vend motor for each column and a vend circuit operatively connecting each vend motor to an associated selector switch in each column including means for removing established credit upon vend selection and preventing delivery of more than one article per established credit with proper payout of change where the value of credit established was greater than the price of the selected article.
 23. A coin operated vending machine as set forth in claim 13 including a vend motor for each column and a vend circuit operatively connecting each vend motor to an associated selector switch in each column including for initiating energization of said payout motor upon vend selection with proper payout of change when the value of credit established is greater than the price of the selected article.
 24. A coin operated vending machine as set forth in claim 13 including a vend motor for each column and circuit means operatively connecting each vend motor to an associated selector switch of a column so as to permit individual vend selection from each column, while preventing simultaneous energization of two or more vend motors.
 25. A coin operated vending machine as set forth in claim 13 including a vend motor for each column and circuit means operatively connecting each vend motor to an associated selector switch of a column and the payout means as to prevent energization of said vend motor until after the establishment of proper credit and vend selection.
 26. A coin operated vending machine as set forth in claim 25 wherein the credit established is for the first unit price and the vend selection is for an article at said first unit price.
 27. A coin operated vending machine as set forth in claim 25 wherein the credit established is for the second unit price and the vend selection is for an article at said second unit price.
 28. A coin operated vending machine as set forth in claim 25 wherein the credit established is for either the first or the second unit price, and the vend selection being for an article at said second unit price.
 29. A coin operated vending machine as set forth in claim 5 wherein said means for establishing credit includes a coin change mechanism including means for actuating said first and said second switches to their second positions. 